Welcome to the “Ask Dr. Paola” series. Here we bring you expert advice directly from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) every Monday, ensuring that readers get a better understanding of cat health and well-being.
Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutritional tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to provide insights that will keep your kitten happy and healthy. Cat Are you okay. Stay tuned for expert guidance on the various topics that are most important to you and your cat. This way you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care to your furry companions.
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Help! My rescue is not very sociable!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
He rescued my pee boy, James Connolly, for about six weeks. He was abandoned with his mother and two sisters and retreated very shyly, so often left mostly with food. Within 24 hours since he was rehomed with me himself, the semi-wild kitten became a hugging monster with a ridiculous personality. However, he has social difficulties. He is very nervous and very worried. He needs to be with me all the time and I will do my best. I tried to leave one weekend and left him with a cat sitter and it was a disaster. The vet says he has concerns. How can I increase his confidence and make sure he feels safe even if I’m not there physically? – Sarah
Hello Sarah,
Thank you to Little James Connolly for opening up her heart and home. What a beautiful name for such a brave little soul. From what you shared, it is clear that you have already changed his world. From his withdrawal and what was overlooked, he says a lot about the love and safety you provided him. Cats who experience early stress, especially those who go without consistent food, maternal comfort, and gentle handling, develop what is often referred to as “unstable attachment styles.” It resembles a child who is firmly persistent after being left unattended too often. It’s not just fear, it’s a survival mechanism.
Helping James build confidence is a process. Start by creating predictable routines about eating, playing and rest. This rhythm becomes a safety net. Try using interactive toys like Wand Teaser, or handle puzzles to shift focus out of focus and encourage independent play. Confidence can sometimes be blossomed by “safe victory,” a small, unthreatening challenge he can overcome. In your absence, your scent can become a powerful comforter. You might leave a worn t-shirt behind. You should also consider a synthetic pheromone diffuser. This mimics rather sedative signals that cats are associated with the presence of maternal nature. Gradual desensitization to short absences starting from seconds rather than hours is helpful, but this should be done slowly and patiently.
James exhibits such intense separation anxiety, so it may be helpful to consult a feline veterinary behaviourist and explore options such as dietary supplements and calming supplements. These are not sedatives, but gentle AIDS that can support his emotional balance during training. You’ve already given him so much. Now it’s about helping him believe that getting out the door won’t go away.
The best,
Dr. Paola
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Help! Blood can be seen on cat poop!
“Hello Dr. Paola!
I have a 7 year old cat called Mist. Regularly, a small amount of blood is seen in the trash can after she has a BM. She has multiple trials, fecal studies, and ultrasound. Everything was negative. The current proposal is to have a colonoscopy. She eats z/d on the hill. She has a good appetite and playfulness. I don’t know if I should do this or not. Should I get a different opinion? What do you think? ” – Pam
Hello Pam, thank you for sharing about Mist. It’s clear how deeply you care for her, and you can understand how concerned it is to see blood traces in the trash can, especially when everything else about her looks normal. The fact that she eats well, is playful and maintains her routine is encouraging, but when such signs persist without a clear cause it is a bit inexplicable. We take all the right steps, including physical examinations, fecal studies and even ultrasound.
At this point, colonoscopy could be a reasonable next step. If you have subtle inflammation, polyps, or early illnesses that don’t appear in other diagnoses, it’s the best way to directly visualize the colonic lining and perhaps get a biopsy. However, it is perfectly effective to seek a second opinion from a veterinarian before moving forward. Their perspective helps them feel more confident about whether this step is needed now or whether other less invasive adjustments are worth trying first. In the meantime, I recommend closely monitoring mist’s stool consistency, frequency and any tension. Softer stools tend to pass more easily, and may reduce small trauma that can cause bleeding, especially if the colon is sensitive. Promoting hydration by incorporating water fountains, kibbles stained in soups, or fresh, hydrated foods can help relieve defecation naturally and may provide some relief if bleeding is inherently mechanical. You’re doing a great job defending Mist and she’s lucky enough to have you by her side.
Dr. Paola
Help! My cat will ring all day long!
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My partner and I adopted a stray female (castrated) 1 year old cat six months ago. Her name is Mar. The worrying problem is that she keeps measuring loudly on the walls and doors multiple times a day. She has hip dysplasia and cannot jump like a normal cat.
We know that she lived outside before, but now she should be an indoor cat. Our apartment is so big, there is no space issue, but for all of us, screaming is stressful. I practice with her every day in the harness and have her walk outside in the summer, but I don’t know if this will help her. We play with her many times a day (sometimes several hours in a row). I also give her some stress-free treats and more. We also hung cat climbing stairs on the wall.We don’t know what to do with her at all.
It’s minimal and I’m very grateful for some new tips.” – Emily
Hello, thank you for sharing your story about Mall.
She is very fortunate to have found such a loving and polite home. From everything you describe, it is clear that you are doing a great job supporting her physical and emotional needs. Cats like Mal, who had to rely on themselves in unpredictable circumstances, often develop strong voice habits as a way to express their needs and communicate uncertainty. Even once they are safe and cared for, behavior that has become habitual can continue even when things are calm.
There are several different explanations about the moisture in her walls and doors. Cats have extremely sensitive hearing, sometimes responding to sounds that we cannot detect, such as plumbing, wind, and even small animals behind the walls. It could also be a sign of frustration related to her mobility challenges. Cats are wired to climb vertically and explore, and if your body limits its abilities, you may feel restless and unfulfilled. That feeling can come from the voice. You already provide her with a rich environment. That’s great. Creating predictable routines centered around feeding, playing and rest helps some cats feel safer and can reduce their vocalization over time. Your plan to take her on an outdoor walk during a warm month sounds promising and may provide a healthy outlet for both mental and physical stimulation.
If her measurements are getting more frequent or more intense, it’s worth considering whether pain plays a role. In fact there is Tele-Triage Veterinary Service, Pangovetyou can talk to one of our experienced vets online from the comfort of your home. Chronic discomfort from conditions like hip dysplasia can manifest in unexpected ways, and even subtle relief can lead to meaningful improvements in her behavior. You clearly provide her with a safe and loving space, and it makes all the difference. I hope this helps!
Dr. Paola
This article is part of the weekly question Dr. Paola series
